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COPYRIGHT. 1922 

IDA E. WU LFF 

2474 PARIS ST. 
CINCINNATI, OHIO 



AUG 10 '22 

©CI.A677810 



TABLE of CONTENTS 



V Page 

"> Lesson 1 — Forming an Organization. Duties of 

Officers and Members 1 

Lesson 2 — Constitution. Outline of Main Motion. 
Primary Amendment. Secondary Amendment. . 12 

Lesson 3 — Nominations and Election 23 

Lesson 4 — ^Privileged Motions. Outline of Motion to 
Fix the Time and Place to Adjourn. To Adjourn. 
To Take a Recess 26 

Lesson 5 — Outline of Motion to Raise a Question of 
Privilege. To Call for Orders of the Day. Inci- 
dental Motions. Outline of Motion to Raise a 
Point of Order. To Appeal from the Decision 
of the Chair ,. 30 

Lesson 6 — Outline of Motion to Object to the Con- 
sideration of the Question. To Call for the Read- 
ing of Papers. To Withdraw a Motion, To 
Suspend the Rules 36 

Lesson 7 — Subsidiary Motions. Outline of Motion to 
Lay on the Table. To Call for the Previous 
Question 40 

Lesson 8 — Outline of Motion to Limit Debate. To 
Extend Debate. To Postpone to a Definite Time 42 

Lesson 9 — Committees — Standing, Special. Minority 
Report. Committee of the Whole. Outline of Mo- 
tion to Refer to a Committee. To Postpone In- 
definitely 44 

Lesson 10 — Unclassified Motions. Outline of Motion 
to Reconsider. To Rescind. To Take From the 
Table. Chart for Use at Meetings 49 



Foreword 



BECAUSE of the need and desire for further 
knowledge of parliamentary law by MotheJs' 
.^lubs, the author was induced to organize 
parliamentary practice classes. In her teaching 
the necessity for a simple text-book was soon 
apparent. In order to simplify the acquisition of 
parliamentary knowledge this book has been pre- 
pared in the hope that many will find it helpful. 

For more advanced information the student 
should consult Robert's Revised Rules of Order, 
which is the authority that has been used in 
these lessons. 

In submitting this, the author desires to acknowl- 
edge her indebtedness to the following: 

Robert's Revised Rules of Order, 
Parliamentary Usage for Women's Clubs, by 

Emma A. Fox, 
Parliamentary Law with Diagram of Motions, 

by Nanette Paul, ' 
Practical Lessons in Parliamentary Procedure, 

by Mary Redfield Plummer, 
Shattuck's Answers to Parliamentary Inquiries, 
Jefferson's Manual, 

and in addition to these, she has been helped 
by instruction received in the parliamentary 
practice classes conducted by Mrs. Ben Loewen- 
stein, whose method of teaching hasbeen to 
some extent followed, and lastly, to Miss Annie 
Laws, whose lectures and classes inspired the 
author to more earnest effort in acquiring further 
knowledge on the subject and who so kindly has 
given so much time and advice to the Mothers' 
Clubs of Cincinnati. — L E. W. 



TEXT BOOK FOR PARLIAMENTARY 
PRACTICE CLASSES 



LESSON 1 

The object of a parliamentary practice 
class is to learn the fundamental prin- 
ciples of parliamentary law. 

PARLIAMENTARY LAW teaches us to 
conduct meetings with dignity and justice 
to all concerned, that we may listen to the 
voice of the minority and obey the will of 
the majority. 

In addition to those laws in general use, 
any organization may have special laws 
(by-laws) for its particular needs. 

In FORMING AN ORGANIZATION the 
person with whom the idea originates 
mentions it to others who he knows will 
favor it, and arranges beforehand with 
certain ones to make essential motions. 
It is best to get a plan of action worked 
out before it is presented; then a meeting 
is called. After a sufficient number are 
present, the person who called the meet- 
ing says, "Will the meeting please come 
to order?" 

When this is done, this person says, 
"The first order of business is to nominate 
a temporary chairman." It is well to ar- 
range to have some one nominated who 
will conduct the meeting satisfactorily. 
The election is by plurality vote; that is, 
the greatest of three or more numbers, 
and should be either oral or by ballot. 

In order to obtain the oral vote, the 
person presiding asks for nominations, 
saying, "Will some one nominate a tem- 
porary chairman?" Some one in the as- 

—1— 



sembly then rises and says, "I nominate 
Mr. A." Nominations need not be sec- 
onded. When any one desires to stop fur- 
t*her nominations, he rises and says, "Mr. 
Chairman, I move that nominations be 
closed." This motion must be seconded. 
This means that another person besides 
the one making the motion must be in 
favor of it and express himself so by say- 
ing, "I second the motion," thereby mean- 
ing that he is a second person in favor of 
that particular motion. The person pre- 
siding at once puts this motion to a vote, 
and as, according to parliamentary usage 
no discussion is allowed on this motion, 
says at once, "All those in favor of closing 
nominations say 'Aye'." The person pre- 
siding makes mental note of the number 
of those voting favorably by the volume 
of sound. Following this the person says, 
"Those opposed say 'No'." After giving 
time for the negative vote, he tells the 
result of the vote, saying, "The motion 
is carried (or lost)," and Mr. A. is elected, 
or not, as the case may be. 

Always call for the negative vote, and 
give the result. This is absolutely neces- 
sary. 

If the person conducting the meeting 
should be unable to decide the result by 
the volume of sound, he mentions this 
and says, "We will take a rising vote. 
The secretary will please count. All those 
in favor please rise," (secretary counts). 
When they are seated he continues, "Con- 
trary rise," (secretary counts again). The 
secretary reports the result of his count to 
the person conducting the meeting and 
he then states the result. 

—2— 



If a member is uncertain about the 
result of an oral vote, he rises and says, 
"I call for a division." This does not re- 
quire a second and cannot be debated or 
amended. The presiding officer is obliged 
to proceed at once to take the vote again 
by having the affirmative rise and when 
they are seated having the negative rise 
and stating the result after the secretary 
reports the count to him. 

If two or three are nominated and you 
ask for oral vote on the first, there is no 
need to vote on the others if he gets a 
majority. He is then declared elected. If 
the vote is by ballot, those present write 
their choice on a slip of paper and the 
person receiving the largest number of 
votes is declared elected on a plurality 
vote. 

The term plurality means the greatest 
of three or more numbers. 

The term majority means more than 
half of all votes cast. 

The one elected at once takes the chair 
and asks for nominations for a temporary 
secretary. A vote is taken as for the tem- 
porary chairman and the person receiving 
the majority vote is declared elected. In 
order that the meeting may be conducted 
satisfactorily, it is well that a person who 
has the interest of the new movement at 
heart be selected beforehand. The suc- 
cess of any new organization depends 
greatly upon the first officials chosen. 

After the temporary secretary has taken 
his place the presiding officer asks some 
one (decided beforehand) to say why the 
meeting was called. He rises, states the 

—3— 



reasons, offers a resolution to start an or- 
ganization, and puts it in the form of a 
motion, as follows: "I move that this body 
resolve itself into an organization for the 
purpose of studying parliamentary law." 

This is a main motion. Every main 
motion must have a second before it can 
be discussed. When it has been seconded 
the chairman rises and says, "There is a 
motion before the assembly that this body 
resolve itself into an organization for the 
purpose of studying parliamentary law." 
He repeats the entire motion in this way. 
He adds, "Are there any remarks ?" 

When you wish to address the meeting 
(privilege of the floor) you rise and say, 
"Mr. Chairman," then mention your own 
name unless you are known, the chairman 
repeats your name, thus granting you the 
privilege of the floor. 

After some discussion has taken place, 
the chairman asks, "Is there any further 
discussion?" 

There being no further discussion, the 
chairman proceeds to have the assembly 
vote on the motion and announces the 
result. 

If the vote has been in the affirmative, 
the chairman says, *'The next matter to 
come before the assembly will be the 
adoption of a constitution." 

In order that this may be accomplished, 
it is advisable that a member make a mo- 
tion that a committee be appointed to 
draft a constitution and by-laws and re- 
port at the next meeting. When the mo- 
tion has been made, seconded and carried 
the chairman appoints a committee on 

—4— 



constitution, the first-named person being 
the chairman of the committee. 

The OBJECT of the CONSTITUTION is 
to give the organization a name, tell its 
object, decide the membership, time of 
meetings, names of committees and duties 
of officers. It should embody the impor- 
tant regulations of the organization and 
how they can be amended. The by-laws 
consist of the details of the regulations. 
The constitution states facts; the by-laws 
give details and methods of carrying on 
the work. The constitution is the supreme 
law of the organization. After the con- 
stitution has been adopted, the organiza- 
tion becomes a permanent one. 

The committee on constitution is a spe- 
cial committee, usually appointed as soon 
as the decision is made by the temporary 
organization, the duty of which is to pre- 
sent a constitution and by-laws for adop- 
tion. When that is done, the next step is 
the election of officers. The constitution 
and by-laws should be treated separately. 

The business of the first meeting being 
now completed, there is time for a lesson 
regarding officers. 

The officers of an organization consist 
usually of a president, a vice president, a 
recording secretary, a corresponding sec- 
retary, a treasurer and an auditor. 

Duties of Officers. 
The presiding officer, called a president 
or chairman, conducts the affairs of the 
organization. He handles what the organi- 
zation wants, the body decides. The chair- 
man only directs the course of the meet- 



ing. He should never be arbitrary. The 
spirit between the president and his or- 
ganization should be ideal; they should 
work together in full co-qperation. He 
must at all times be very fair, calm, just, 
tactful and dispassionate, so neutral that 
no one ever suspects his likes or dislikes. 
It is a fatal error to show which side he is 
on. He must know no friend, no enemies. 
He must listen to the voice of the minority 
and obey the will of the majority. 

He should rise to state questions, when 
taking the vote, and when making an- 
nouncements. He must always announce 
the result of the vote. He should know 
the business of the organization and never 
say he thinks a certain thing has been 
attended to. He remains seated during 
discussions. 

He can not speak to any question unless 
he leaves the chair, appointing some one 
else to act as chairman in his stead, with 
one exception: when there is an appeal 
from the decision of the presiding officer. 
He may vote only when the vote is by roll- 
call, by ballot, or when there is a tie. He 
must state a motion clearly, allow discus- 
sion, and announce the result of the vote. 
He appoints standing committees and may 
appoint special committees, if authorized 
by the by-laws, or by vote of the assembly, 
and may be made by the by-laws ex-officio 
a member of all committees. The chair- 
man has the power to attend all committee 
meetings to give advice. 

He signs all vouchers and has them 
countersigned by the secretary or chair- 

—6— 



man of the committee, if the obligation 
has been undertaken by a committee. 

When you are chairman speak so that 
every one in the assembly can hear you; 
put as much earnestness in your voice as 
possible. It is that quality that carries. 
Do not vacillate; talk as positively as you 
can; there is nothing so contagious as con- 
fidence. 

The chairman has a right to adjourn a 
stormy meeting when he is. sure it is for 
the good of the organization. 

When made presiding officer, study 
your constitution — that is your fortifica- 
tion. 

The chairman should not allow any one 
to rise to talk on a matter unless a motion 
has been made and seconded. If this 
should happen, the chairman should say: 
"If you will make a motion and it is sec- 
onded, we will enter upon the discussion, 
otherwise it must not go on." 

It is well to remember that no rules 
will take the place of tact and common 
sense on the part of the chairman. 

It is the duty of the vice president to 
assume the duties of the president in his 
absence. 

The recording secretary, usually called 
the secretary, is the recording officer of 
the organization. He should make notes 
of the proceedings of the meeting and 
make a record of them for future refer- 
ence. These records are called the minutes 
of the organization. 

He should keep his minutes in a record 
book, tightly bound, into which he should 
file the reports of all officers and com- 

—7— 



mittees. He should record all motions 
whether lost or carried. If there is a dif- 
ference of opinion as to whether certain 
business has come before tlie assembly, 
the records should give exact information. 

The secretary must not indulge in a per- 
sonal discussion in his minutes and must 
not record suggestions. He should be 
brief and record the happenings of the 
organization as definitely as possible. The 
secretary rises when reading minutes. 
The corrections of the minutes are put 
into the margin of the minutes read, and 
in the following minutes is written, "The 
minutes of the previous meeting were cor- 
rected to read as follows: '* * *'." 

The secretary outlines his minutes as 

follows: "The last meeting of the 

Parliamentary Practice Class was held 
(date, time and place) . The presi- 
dent, Mrs. A, conducted the meeting. The 
minutes of the previous meeting were 
read and approved. The treasurer re- 
ported a balance on hand of $ (the 

secretary puts only the treasurer's balance 
in the minutes). The treasurer's report 
was accepted as audited. 

"The report of the corresponding secre- 
tary was adopted and duly filed. 

"Upon motion of Mr. A, duly seconded 
by Mr. B, it was decided to accept the re- 
port of committee. 

"Upon motion of Mr. G, seconded by 
Mr. D, it was decided to adjourn until the 

next meeting, (date), at the same 

time and place. "John Smith." 

Sign your given name and surname 
without any prefix. 

—8— 



A secretary writes his minutes accord- 
ing to the tone of the organization. This 
being a parliamentary practice class, it is 
well to have the lesson to a great extent 
embodied in the minutes. 

The secretary has the privileges of any 
other member. He may make motions, 
discuss them and vote upon them. 

In order to have the routine of each 
business regular, the secretary should pre- 
pare in addition to his minutes a slip of 
paper with the order of business on it for 
the presiding officer. 

In the absence of both the president and 
vice-president it is the duty of the secre- 
tary to call the meeting to order. 

The secretary should take charge of all 
the documents of the organization. 

If an arbitrary secretary should refuse 
to correct the minutes, then it is necessary 
to do it by vote of the assembly. 

Expenditures can only be made by a 
vote of the assembly and the purpose for 
which the money can be used must be in- 
dicated in the minutes. No funds of the 
organization can be used unless spe- 
cifically authorized by the members of 
the organization. The method of making 
expenditures should be indicated in the 
by-laws. 

The corresponding secretary should 
have in charge all the correspondence of 
the organization unless otherwise order- 
ed. In matters of importance there 
should be made a duplicate copy of letters 
sent out and an alphabetical file of all let- 
ters received. 

—9— 



The treasurer is the custodian of the 
funds. He should keep an accurate ac- 
count of all money received and spent. 
His accounts must at all times balance. 
He should pay bills only when signed by 
the president, by the recording secretary, 
or some designated officer. He should 
keep an accurate alphabetical file of all 
receipts and should present a written re- 
port to the organization. 

It is advisable that when collecting from 
members the amount paid should be put 
opposite the names when the members 
pay, not a V check, accurate bookkeeping 
means figures. 

The treasurer outlines his report as fol- 
lows: 

"Mr. Chairman and Members: Your 
treasurer begs leave to submit the follow- 
ing report: 

Balance on hand at last meeting 

Money collected 

Money spent 

Balance on hand 

Respectfully submitted, 

Mary Smith." 

The treasurer's report is not accepted 
until it is audited. If it is not audited at 
every meeting a motion should be made 
that the treasurer's report be received 
for audit. 

The auditor, or, in large organizations, 
the auditing committee, examines the 
books of the treasurer and gives a state- 
ment as to the result of the Examination. 
He should see the receipted bills of the 
treasurer. 

The outline of the auditor's report 
should be as follows: 
—10— 



"Mr. Chairman and Members: Your 
auditor begs leave to report that he has 
examined the books of the treasurer and 
found them to be correct. 

Respectfully submitted, 

John Brown." 
In the absence of the auditor, defer ac- 
cepting the treasurer's report until prop- 
erly audited. 

In presenting any report always address 
the presiding officer. 

Duties of Members. 

It is the duty of every member to attend 
all the meetings of his organization, un- 
less unavoidably detained, and to be on 
time. It is also his duty to support the 
chairman in every way and to do all in 
his power to make the organization a suc- 
cess. 

What you put into an organization you 
get out of it. 

Be sure to stand up for your own opin- 
ion. Be active participants in an organi- 
zation of which you are a member. Do 
not take advantage of superior knowledge 
to defeat others. Tact is an important 
force in parliamentary law. Never leave 
until the meeting is adjourned or you 
must take the consequences if anything 
important comes up and you did not get 
a chance to act. 

Discussion should always take place in 
the meeting and not after the meeting. If 
any adverse criticism is made it has often 
been found to be the fault of the one mak- 
ing it, due to his timidity, lack of moral 
courage, or his lack of knowledge of par- 

—11— 



liamentary law. Have the courage of 
your convictions. Vote "No" when you 
want "No." There is no one more to be 
admired than the person who, in the face 
of seemingly overwhelming opposition, 
rises and tells in a distinct voice his rea- 
sons for not wanting the motion passed. 

It must be borne in mind, however, that 
the welfare of the organization must un- 
derly all reasons for or against a motion. 
Never should anything personal enter into 
it. The good of the organization only 
must be considered. 

In order to bring a meeting to a close a 
motion to adjourn is necessary. This is 
accomplished by some member making a 
motion to adjourn. The motion may stip- 
ulate the time and place when the next 
meeting should be held. Upon being sec- 
onded, voted upon, and declared carried, 
the meeting ceases. 



LESSON 2. 

The temporary secretary having pre- 
pared the order of business on a slip of 
paper, gives it to the temporary chair- 
man. This should read as follows for this 
meeting : 

Reading of minutes of previous meet- 
ing. 

Old business — Report of committee on 
constitution. 

New business. 

The temporary chairman raps lightly 
and says: "The meeting will please come 

to order." 

—12— 



He waits a short time and says: "The 
secretary will read the minutes of the 
previous meeting." This is done. 

The chairman rises and says : "You have 
heard the reading of the minutes, are there 
any corrections?" 

Should you wish to make a correction 

rise and say: "Mr. Chairman, Mr. ," 

(if not known, giving your name). 

The chairman repeats your name, thus 
recognizing you and granting you permis- 
sion to speak. You then make your cor- 
rection. 

If there are no corrections from the 
floor the chairman then has the privilege 
of making any corrections he may have 
in mind. He then says: "If there are no 
further corrections the minutes will stand 
approved as corrected." 

Should there be no correction the chair- 
man says: "Inasmuch as there are no cor- 
rections the minutes will stand approved 
as read." 

Before taking up the report of the com- 
mittee on constitution the members 
should learn something about motions. 

Nearly every motion can be placed in 
one of the following four classes, the low- 
est in rank being at the bottom and the 
highest at the top of the list. 

1. Privileged motions. 

2. Incidental motions. 

3. Subsidiary motions. 

4. Main motions and unclassified 
motions. 

One of the important parts of parlia- 
mentary law is the precedence of motions. 

—13— 



For convenience the same general out- 
line for all motions will be followed in 
this order — 

1. OBJECT— The object will tell the 

reason a certain motion is used. 

2. FORM— The form will give the gen- 

eral wording of the motion. 

3. RANK— The rank will state the 

place of the motion in the order 
of precedence. 

4. DEBATABLE — This will state 

whether the motion may be de- 
bated or not. 

5. AMENDABLE — This will state 

whether the motion may be 
amended or not. 

6. VOTE— This will state whether the 

motion requires a majority vote, 
a 2/3 vote, or any vote. 
Although the first three classes of mo- 
tions take precedence of main motions, 
the principal business of an organization 
is accomplished by main motions and we 
will proceed at once to the outline of this 
class of motions. Motions are frequently 
spoken of as questions. 

Outline of Main Motions. 

OBJECT — ^The object of a main motion is 
tlie bringing before the as- 
sembly for its consideration 
any particular subject. 
FORM— The form is "I move * * * " 
RANK — It is lowest in rank, it takes pre- 
cedence of no other motions, 
that is it cannot be made 
when any other question is 
before the assembly. 

—14— 



I 



Debatable — A main motion is fully de- 
batable. 
Amendable — A main motion may be 

amended twice. 
VOTE — A main motion requires a ma- 
jority vote. 
NOTE — Main motions about amendments 
to the constitution, by-laws 
or rules of order .already 
adopted require a 2/3 vote 
unless the by-laws state oth- 
erwise. 
When seconding a motion the member 
should rise and, after being recognized by 
the chairman, say: "I second the motion." 
This gives the secretary the opportunity 
to record the name of the person who sec- 
onded the motion and if a difference arises 
as to the exact wording of a motion the 
one who seconds can readily be called 
upon to state what he has seconded. 

After a main motion has been made 
and seconded, the chairman says: "The 
motion to * * * has been made and 
seconded, is there any discussion?" It is 
necessary for the chairman to repeat the 
entire motion so there can be no mistake, 
or he asks the secretary to read it as he 
has it recorded. 

Every main motion must be thrown 
open for discussion. If during the dis- 
cussion of a motion that a member has 
made, he becomes convinced that it is not 
a good motion for his organization to 
adopt, he should not talk against it, as this 
is unwise, instead he should ask consent 
to withdraw it, (this can be done if no one 
objects) or vote against it. 

—15— 



If when attending a convention a dele- 
gate has been instructed to vote against a 
measure and the measure is passed, he, 
may ask the presiding officer to have the 
secretary record his negative vote, so that 
his organization may know that he has 
obeyed instructions. 

After discussion has taken place the 
presiding officer says: "Are there any 
further remarks?" If no more discus- 
sion follows this, the chairman says: "All 
those in favor of * * * (repeating 
the motion) * * * g^y, 'Aye'." 

Those wishing to vote in the affirmative 
say, "Aye." 

The chairman says: "Those opposed 
say, " 'No.' " 

Those wishing to vote in the negative 
say, "No !" 

The chairman then states the result of 
the vote, saying either, "The motion (re- 
peating the motion) is carried," or "The 
motion (repeat) is lost." This must be 
done and it must be recorded in the min- 
utes. 

All main motions may be amended 
twice. In taking up the constitution each 
clause is treated as a main motion and 
may be amended as stated. 

Outline of First Amendment or Primary 
Amendment. 

OBJECT — The object of the first or pri- 
mary amendment is to per- 
fect the main motion. 

—16— 



FORM— The form is: "Mr. Chairman, I 
move that we amend this 
motion by adding, (or ehm- 
inating, or substituting) the 
words * * * " 

RANK — This motion is in order whenever 
there is a main motion be- 
fore the assembly. 

DEBATABLE— This motion is debatable. 

AMENDABLE — This amendment can be 

amended once. 
VOTE — This motion requires a majority 

vote. 

Outline of Secondary Amendment. 

OBJECT — The object of the secondary 
amendment is to perfect the 
first amendment. 

FORM — The form is, 'T move to amend 
the amendment by adding 
(or eliminating or substitut- 
ing) the words * * * ." 

RANK — This motion is in order when 
there is one amendment be- 
fore the assembly. 

DEBATABLE— This motion is debatable. 

AMENDABLE — This motion is not 
amendable. 

VOTE^ — This motion requires a majority 
vote. 

NOTE — The vote is first taken on the sec- 
ondary amendment, then 
another vote is taken on the 
first amendment as amended 
by the secondary amend- 
ment, if this amendment 
was carried, and then anoth- 
er vote is taken on the whole 

—17— 



motion as amended. Even if 
both amendments are car- 
ried, it may happen that the 
motion as amended will not 
pass. 

Now the constitution can be taken up. 

The chairman says: "We are now ready 
for the report of the committee on con- 
stitution, Mr. , (naming the chair- 
man of the committee) will you please re- 
port?" 

The chairman of the committee rises 
and says: "Mr. Chairman, and members, 
your committee on constitution and by- 
laws begs leave to report that it has pre- 
pared the following constitution for your 
consideration. 

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. 
CONSTITUTION. 

ARTICLE 1. 

Name. 

The name of this organization shall be 
the ***** Parliamentary Prac- 
tice Class. 

ARTICLE 2. 
Object. 

The object of this organization shall be 
the instruction of its members in Parlia- 
mentary Law practice. 

ARTICLE 3. 
Membership. 

Any person invited to do so may be- 
come a member of this organization by 
taking an active part in assuming all du- 
ties assigned to him. The membership 
shall not exceed twenty-five. 

—18— 



ARTICLE 4. 
Officers. 

Section 1. The officers of this organiza- 
tion shall be a president, a vice president, 
a recording secretary, a corresponding 
secretarj^ a treasurer and an auditor. 

Section 2. Candidates for office shall be 
proposed by a nominating committee ap- 
pointed by the chairman, the committee 
to report at the meeting following the 
adoption of the constitution, the officers, 
elected by ballot, to serve one meeting. 

After they have served, this election be- 
ing for the sake of practice only, the offi- 
cers, in order to expedite matters, shall 
be elected as follows — the name of every 
member shall be written on a separate 
card and kept in an envelope, at the close 
of each meeting the names of the officers 
for the next meeting as w^ell as those to 
whom motions are assigned shall be 
drawn from the envelope. 

ARTICLE 5. 
Meetings. 

Section 1. The Parliamentary Practice 
Class shall meet for 10 consecutive weeks, 
beginning * * * . . A meeting falling 
upon a legal holiday may be postponed 
or omitted by a majority vote of the mem- 
bers present at the meeting preceding the 
holiday. 

Section 2. Special meetings of the Par- 
liamentary Practice Class may be called 
by the president and shall be called by the 
secretary upon the written request of two 
of its members. 

—19— 



ARTICLE 6. 

One third of the class shall constitute 
a quorum for the transaction of business. 
ARTICLE 7. 

Cominittees, 
The president shall appoint all commit- 
tees. 

ARTICLE 8. 
Amendments — Rules of Order. 

Section 1. This constitution may be 
amended at any meeting of the class, by 
a two-thirds vote of the members present, 
if notice of the proposed amendment has 
been given in writing at the previous meet- 
ing. 

Section 2. These rules are in full force 
on adoption. 

Section 3. The rules contained in Rob- 
ert's Rules of Order shall govern the pro- 
ceedings of this class in all cases to which 
they are applicable and in which they are 
not inconsistent with the rules of the class. 

BY-LAWS. 
Meetings. 

Meetings shall be held at the *- * * 
every * * * promptly at * * * 

Dues. 

A fee of one cent shall be collected from 
each member at each meeting. The dis- 
posal of the amount so collected shall be 
determined by a vote of the class. 

Duties of Officers. 

The duties of the officers of this or- 
ganization shall be as stated in Lesson 
One. 

—20— 



Duties of Committees. 

All committees shall call a meeting im- 
mediately after the close of the lesson and 
shall report each week to the class. 
Order of Business. 

1. Reading of minutes. 

2. Report of corresponding secretary. 

3. Report of treasurer. 

4. Report of auditor. 

5. Report of standing committees. 

6. Report of special committees. 

7. Unfinished business. 

8. New business. 

9. Parliamentary drill in class. 

Respectfully submitted, 



Every member of the committee should 
sign his name, the chairman's name first 
is the preferred way. 

The chairman of every committee 
should report in this same way. 

A report is either adopted, filed or re- 
jected. "To receive a report" means only 
that it has been read. Action must be 
taken. When an organization accepts, 
which means the same as adopts, a report, 
it means that it has been made a matter of 
business and has been voted upon and car- 
ried. 

When presenting a report the chairman 
of the committee should immediately 
move its adoption. If he fails to do this 
the chairman says: "You have heard the 
report, what is your pleasure?" 

A member then says: "I move that this 
report be adopted." 

—21— 



The reason the chairman of the com- 
mittee should make this motion is to pre- 
vent a member, who may not be in sym- 
pathy with the committee, from making a 
motion to lay it on the table, which is dif- 
ficult to vote down as it is undebatable. 

After it has been moved and seconded 
to adopt the report on constitution, the 
chairman says: "It has been moved and 
seconded to adopt this report, but before 
we vote upon it, we must discuss it and 
in order to do this satisfactorily we will 
take it clause by clause" (or seriatim) . 

It is not necessary to vote on separate 
clauses, only on amendments and the 
clauses as amended. The chairman of the 
committee should pause after each clause 
to give anyone opportunity to ask for a 
rereading of that clause or,- to make an 
amendment. 

After taking the constitution seriatim 
ask once more for any more amendments 
and then vote on the whole as amended 
and adopt it. 

Now the chairman appoints a nominat- 
ing committee to report at the next meet- 
ing. It is well to put persons on nominat- 
ing committees who prefer not to be 
officers. 

The following motions are assigned to 
three persons. 

A main motion. 

A motion to amend the main motion. 

A motion to amend the amendment. 

The chairman says: "Is there any fur- 
ther business?" 

—22— 



There being none the meeting is ad- 
journed, as before, until the next time as 
agreed upon in the constitution. 

LESSON 3. 

At the appointed time the temporary 
chairman calls the meeting to order, the 
temporary secretary having given her the 
order of business as follows: 

Reading of minutes of previous meet- 
ing. 

Old business — report of nominating 
committee. 

New business. 

After the reading and correction of the 
minutes the chairman calls for the report 
of the nominating committee. 

The chairman of this committee re- 
ports as follows: 

"Mr. Chairman and Members: 

Your committee on nominations begs 
leave to submit the following ticket for 
your consideration: 

For President — Mr. . 

Vice President — Mr. . 

Recording Secretary — Mr. 



Corresponding Secretary — Mr. - 

Treasurer — Mjr. . 

Auditor — Mr. . 

Respectfully submitted. 



This is the form for any committee to 
use when making a report. 

This is the only report that is not dis- 
cussed. It is not adopted, it is only re- 
ceived. 

—23— 



The presiding officer now asks for nom- 
inations from the floor as follows: "You 
have heard the report of the nominating 
committee. We will consider each office 
in turn, are there any further nominations 
for president?" 

It is absolutely necessary for the pre- 
siding officer to give the assembly a 
chance to nominate others if they so de- 
sire. 

Nominations need not be seconded. 

When more nominations have been 
made for president and there is a pause 
(or if no more nominations seem to be 
forthcoming) the chairman says: "Is 
there a motion to close nominations for 
president?" 

When this motion is made and second- 
ed, a vote is at once taken upon it as it is 
not debatable. 

This is done with each office. 

Every person on the ticket should do as 
much as he can to be elected or he should 
not allow his name to be on the ticket. It 
is also right for him to vote for himself. 

The chairman now says: "We are now 
ready for the election. Our constitution 
says we must vote by ballot." 

You must have your election in strict 
accordance with your constitution. 

The chairman appoints three persons, 
called tellers, who distribute the ballots, 
one to each person, and they collect them 
again. When voting by ballot the presid- 
ing officer casts a ballot the same as any 
other member. 

In counting the ballots, one teller reads 
the names, the second looks over his 

—24-- 



shoulder to see that the right name is read 
and the third has a sheet of paper called 
the tally-sheet with the names of all the 
candidates on it, and puts a mark after 
each name read. If more votes are cast 
than there are people present it must all 
be done over again. 

The tellers report as follows for presi- 
dent: 

Mr. A. — 9 votes. 

Mr. B. — 4 votes. 

Mr. C— 3 votes. 

Mr. A. has been elected president. 

This is done for each office. The per- 
son receiving the highest number of votes 
cast is declared elected. 

When the presiding officer calls for 
more nominations and there are no more 
and only one ticket is presented the chair- 
man says: "As we have only one nominee 
for each office we will entertain a motion 
to have the secretary cast the ballot for 
the entire ticket." 

When this is seconded and carried, the 
chairman asks the secretary to do this. 
He rises with names on a slip of paper 
and says: "Mr. Chairman, the recording 
secretary hereby casts the ballot for the 
following ticket: 

For President — Mr. A. 

Vice President — Mr. B., etc. 

The chairman then says: "These offi- 
cers are now duly elected." 

If there is only one ticket and you want 
to register a negative vote, ask to have the 
ballots distributed and not have the secre- 
tary cast the vote as that would mean a 
unanimous election. • 

—25— 



The newly elected officers now take of- 
fice. 

The new presiding officer may make a 
short speech expressing his gratitude for 
his election and then says: 

"Is there any further business?" 

If there is no further business it would 
be well here for some one to make a main 
motion in regard to something of general 
interest and give the newly elected chair- 
man a chance to handle it so as to begin 
the regular practice. 

When all business is finished the usual 
form of adjournment follows. 

LESSON 4. 

The presiding officer calls the meeting 
to order and follows the order of business 
as prepared by the secretary according to 
the constitution as follows: 

Reading of minutes of previous meeting. 

Report of corresponding secretary. 

Report of treasurer. 

Report of auditor. 

Report of standing committees. 

Report of special committees. 

Old business. 

New business. 

After the reading and adoption of the 
minutes, the chairman calls for the report 
of the corresponding secretary. He re- 
ports as follows: 

"Mr. Chairman and Members: Your 
corresponding secretary begs leave to re- 
port that no communications have been 
received* nor sent out (or the following 

—26— 



have been received and replied to as per 
letters on file). 

Respectfully submitted, 

Thomas Jones." 

This is accepted. 

The treasurer's report is then called for. 
After this is read the chairman at once 
calls for the auditor's report. 

Having heard this read the presiding of- 
ficer says: 

"You have heard the reports of the 
treasurer and auditor, what shall be done 
with them?" 

A member then rises and says: 

"Mr. Chairman, I move that the treas- 
urer's report as audited be adopted." This 
is put to a vote, seconded, and carried. It 
is absolutely necessary that the treasur- 
er's report as audited be put to a vote. 

When any other officer's report is read, 
in order to expedite matters, the chairman 
may say: "You have heard this report 

* * * , if there is no objection the 
report will be accepted (or filed) . 

One objection prevents unanimous 
consent and then the adoption of the re- 
port must be put in the form of a motion 
and voted upon. 

Committees — If there are any commit- 
tee reports, action is taken and they are 
disposed of. 

Old Business — Under this heading any 
matter that has not been brought to a con- 
clusion at the last meeting is now dis- 
cussed and disposed of. 



New Business — Under this heading any 
member may introduce any proposition. 
This is then considered and acted upon 
and if not brought to a conclusion it is 
brought before the assembly under the 
heading of old business at the next meet- 
ing. 

The new parliamentary lesson then fol- 
lows. 

Privileged Motions. 

Privileged motions are motions which 
are of such great importance that they 
take precedence of all other questions. 

These motions in the order of their 
precedence are: 

To Fix the Time and Place to which the 
Assembly shall Adjourn. 

To Adjourn. 
To Take a Recess. 
To Raise a Question of Privilege. 
To Call for the Orders of the Day. 
Outline of the motion to Fix the Time 
and Place to which the Assembly shall 
Adjourn. 

OBJECT — The object is to provide for an- 
other meeting if the assem- 
bly decides to adjourn. This 
motion is introduced in or- 
der to save the life of an or- 
ganization or annual meet- 
ing. 
FORM — The form is: "I move that when 
we adjourn, we adjourn to 
meet again at * * * ." 
RANK — It takes precedence of all other 
motions and can be intro- 
duced at any time even when 

—28— 



a motion to adjourn has 
been made, seconded and 
voted upon, provided the 
chairman has not declared 
the assembly adjourned. 

DEBATABLE— It is debatable except 
when used as an emergency 
motion, when it is not de- 
batable. 

AMENDABLE — It may only be amended 
by altering the time, or 
place, or both at which the 
meeting shall be held. 

VOTE — This motion requires a majority 
vote. 

Outline of the motion to Adjourn. 

OBJECT — The object is to terminate the 
meeting until the next regu- 
lar meeting, or until a spe- 
cial meeting such as is pro- 
vided for by the organiza- 
tion. 

FORM — The form is, "I move we ad- 
journ." 

RANK — It is second highest of all mo- 
tions, and can be introduced 
at any time except when a 
member has the floor. 

DEBATABLE— This motion is not de- 
batable. 

AMENDABLE — This motion is not 
amendable. 

VOTE^ — This motion requires a majority 
vote. 

—29— 



Outline of the motion to Take a Recess. 
OBJECT — The object is to suspend the 
meeting for a reasonable 
time to reconvene on the 
same day at a specified time. 
FORM— The form is: *T move that we 
take a recess for * * * 
minutes." 
RANK — It may be introduced at any time 
unless there is a motion to 
adjourn before the assem- 
bly. 
DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. 
AMENDABLE— It is amendable. 
VOTE — It requires a majority vote. 
NOTE — It is a means of lobbying. 

According to the constitution names 
should be drawn for the officers for the 
next meeting. 

After this the chairman assigns motions 
to others whose names are drawn in the 
same way. The following motions should 
be assigned. 

A main motion. 
A motion to take a recess. 
A motion to adjourn. 
A motion to fix the time and place to 
adjourn. 

The recording secretary should correct- 
ly record the names and the lesson assign- 
ed each person as well as the names of 
the officers for the next meeting. 
The meeting is then adjourned. 

LESSON 5. 
The meeting is called to order by the 
new chairman. The memorandum of the 
order of business given him by the secre- 

—30— 



tary should include the lesson assigned 
with the names of the persons who will 
make the different motions. By this 
method the chairman can see that the en- 
tire lesson assigned is covered. 

This should be on the memorandum at 
each meeting. 

After following the order of business if 
no main motion has been made by the per- 
son to whom it was assigned, and the pre- 
siding officer asks for new business, this 
person now has the opportunity to make 
a main motion. The other assigned mo- 
tions should be made whenever there is 
an opportunity. If the opportunity does 
not arrive it should be assumed in order 
to practice that motion. 

If mistakes occur and a member makes 
his motion at the wrong time, the chair- 
man says: "The member is out of order." 
This is notice to the member that he is not 
privileged to speak at that time, but must 
wait until the proper time arrives when 
he can proceed with his particular motion. 

Outline of the motion to Raise a Ques- 
tion of Privilege. 

OBJECT — The object is to secure some- 
thing relating to the rights 
of the assembly (as barring 
all but members) or to se- 
cure something personal (as 
to heating, lighting or ven- 
tilation) . 

FORM— The form is: "Mr. Chairman, I 
rise to a question of privil- 
ege affecting the assembly," 
or, "I rise to a question of 

—31— 



personal privilege." Chair- 
man: "State your question 
of privilege." After hear- 
ing the question, permission 
is granted by the chairman, 
who says: "If there is no ob- 
jection, this will be done." 
If there is an objection it is 
put in the form of a motion 
and a vote is taken. 

RANK — It may be made at any time, but 
can not take precedence of 
motion to adjourn, to fix the 
time and place to adjourn or 
to take a recess. 

DEBATABLE— It may be debated. 

AMENDABLE— It may be amended. 

VOTE — It requires a majority vote. 

NOTE — ^A question of privilege is an 
emergency motion and must 
be handled at once. If a 
question of privilege is not 
granted 3^ou can appeal from 
the decision of the chair. 

Outline of the motion to Call for the 
Orders of the Day. 

This motion is often used when discus- 
sion seems aimless and there is much rep- 
etition. It is a demand that the assembly 
conform to its program. 
OBJECT — The object is to enable the as- 
sembly to proceed at once 
with the general orders of 
the day. 
FORM— The form is: "I call for the or- 
ders of the day." 

—32— 



Chairman: "Will the assembly pro- 
ceed with the orders of the 
day?" . . . "All those in 
favor of," etc. 

RANK — It may be made at any time, even 
when a member has the floor 
and requires no second. 

DEBATABLE— It may not be debated. 

AMENDABLE — It may not be amended. 

VOTE — It requires a majority vote. 

INCIDENTAL MOTIONS 

Incidental motions are those that arise 
out of another motion, that is, are inci- 
dental to a question that is pending and 
must be decided before the question. 
They are: To Raise a Point of Order. 
To Appeal from the Decision of the 

Chair. 
To Object to the Consideration of the 

Question. 
To Call for the Reading of Papers. 
To Ask Leave to Withdraw a Motion. 
To Suspend the Rules. 

Outline of the motion to Raise a Point 
of Order. 

In making this motion you may rise and 
interrupt a speaker. One of the specific 
times for a point of order is when an 
amendment is foreign to a motion. 
OBJECT— To call the attention of the as- 
sembly to the fact that you 
wish to make a parliamen- 
tary correction. 
FORM— The form is: "Mr. Chairman, I 
rise to a point of order." 

—33— 



Chairman: ''State your point of or- 
der." 

The member does this. 

Chairman: "Your point of order is 
well (or not well) taken." 

If the decision of the Chairman is 
unsatisfactory you can ap- 
peal from the decision of the 
chair. 

RANK — It must be made immediately 
when the mistake is made, 
is in order whenever a mis- 
take occurs and requires no 
second. 

DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. 

AMENDABLE— It is not amendable. 

VOTE — It requires no vote unless it 
reaches the form of an 
appeal from the decision of 
the chair. 

Outline of the motion to Appeal from 
the Decision of the Chair. 

An appeal from the decision of the chair 
usually follows a point of order. It can 
come from anyone, not necessarily from 
the one raising the point of order. It is 
the only time a Chairman can speak to a 
question. 

OBJECT — The object is to reverse a de- 
cision of the chair by a vote 
of the assembly. 

FORM— The form is: "I appeal from the 
decision of the chair." 

This must be seconded. 

—34— 



The Chairman: "There is an appeal 
from the decision of the 
chair. Will the member state 
his reason for appealing?" 

The member states his reason and 
the Chairman replies, giving 
his reason for his decision. 

After further discussion, the Chair- 
man then says: "All those 
in favor of sustaining the 
chair signify by saying 'Aye.' 
Contrary 'No,' " then states 
the result; and both must 
abide by the decision. 

RANK — It follows immediately after the 
decision of the chair has 
been made. 

DEBATABLE— It is debatable, if the 
question from which the 
appeal is made is debatable. 
No member is allowed to 
speak more than once, ex- 
cept the chairman, who may 
answer the arguments 
against the decision. 

AMENDABLE — It may not be amended. 

VOTE — It requires a majority vote, a tie 
vote sustains the chair. 

Slips for the new officers for the next 
lesson are drawn and motions assigned as 
follows : 

A main motion. 

A question of privilege. 

A call for the orders of the day. 

To raise a point of order. 

To appeal from the decision of the chair. 

The meeting is then adjourned. 

—35— 



LESSON 6 

The meeting is opened as in the previous 
lessons and the order of business followed. 

After the order of business is finished 
and the assigned motions have been made 
as in Lesson 5, take up the four remain- 
ing incidental motions. 

Outline of the motion to Object to the 
Consideration of a Question. 

OBJECT — The object of this motion is to 
set aside instantly, without 
debate or vote upon the ques- 
tion, a motion which has 
been made and seconded. 
The motion objecting to the 
consideration of the main 
motion requires no second. 
Its intention is to dispose of 
a motion without a vote 
upon it. 

FORM— The form is: "I object to the con- 
sideration of the question." 
The Chairman: "There is an objec- 
tion to the consideration of 
this question; will the as- 
sembly consider the ques- 
tion? All those in favor of 
considering it please rise." 
(Secretary counts.) "Con- 
trary rise." (Secretary counts 
again.) The result is stated. 
If two-thirds vote "No," the 
objection to the considera- 
tion of the question is sus- 
tained and the original mo- 
tion is not voted upon. 

—36— 



The Chairman says: "Since two- 
thirds did not object to con- 
sider the question we are 
now ready to discuss the 
motion * * • (stating 
the complete original mo- 
tion) and after the discus- 
sion we will vote upon it." 
This is done and the major- 
ity vote decides the original 
question as it is a main 
motion. 

RANK— The motion objecting to the con- 
sideration of a question, 
must be made immediately 
after the question has been 
stated, before there is any 
discussion and requires no 
second. 

DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. 

AMENDABLE— It may not be amended. 

VOTE — It requires a 2/3 rising vote. 

Outline of the motion to Call for the 
Reading of Papers. 

OBJECT — The object is to bring before 
the assembly matters per- 
taining to the assembly, as 
the reading of minutes, mo- 
tions, resolutions or any 
other documents. 

FORM — The form is: "I call for the read- 
ing of * * * ." 

RANK — They may be called for at any 
time and as often as one 
wishes. 

DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. 

AMENDABLE— It may not be amended. 

VOTE — It requires a majority vote. 

—37— 



Outline of the motion asking Leave to 
Withdraw a Motion. 

OBJECT- — The object is to enable the as- 
sembly to have a motion 
withdrawn that has been 
made, seconded and stated 
by the chair. It removes the 
original motion without a 
vote upon it. 

FORM— The form is: "I move that I be 
given leave to withdraw my 
motion," or "I move that the 
member be given leave (or 
asked) to withdraw his mo- 
tion." If the motion has not 
been stated by the chair it 
can be removed by the chair- 
man giving his consent and 
if there is no objection no 
vote need be taken upon the 
withdrawal. The Chairman 
says: "If there is no objec- 
tion Mr. may with- 
draw his motion." 

RANK — It may be made whenever a de- 
batable motion is before the 
house. It requires no second. 

DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. 

AMENDABLE — It may not be amended. 

VOTE — It requires a majority vote. 

Outline of the motion to Suspend the 
Rules. 

OBJECT — The object is to set aside tem- 
porarily, rules which inter- 
fere with some desired ac- 
tion which is not in conflict 

—38— 



with the constitution or by- 
laws or with the fundamen- 
tal principles of parliamen- 
tary law. 

FORM — The form is : "I move that we sus- 
pend the rules that interfere 
with * * * ," or, "I move 
that we suspend the rules to 

allow me to introduce 

• * * »» 

RANK — It is the lowest of the incidental 
motions, and may be made 
when there is no other mo- 
tion before the assembly. 

DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. 

AMENDABLE — It may not be amended. 

VOTE — It requires a 2/3 rising vote. 

Names of the new officers and of the 
persons to make motions at the next les- 
son are now drawn and motions assigned 
as follows: 

Main motion. 

Objection to the consideration of the 
question. 

Reading of papers. 
Leave to withdraw a motion. 
Suspension of rules. 
Adjournment follows. 



—39— 



LESSON 7. 

Proceed as in the previous lessons and 
follow the order of business including the 
assigned lessons. 

The new lesson follows: 

SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS are those that 
dispose of other motions. They are the 
most important in club life. They may 
be applied to any main motion and when 
made they supersede the main motion and 
must be decided before the main motion 
can be acted upon. 

In the order of their precedence they 
rank as in the following list. When one 
of them is made every motion in the list 
above it is in order and every one below 
it is out of order. 

Subsidiary Motions. 

To Lay on the Table. 
To Call for the Previous Question. 
To Limit Debate. 
To Extend Debate. 

To Postpone Definitely or to a Certain 
Time. 

To Refer to a Committee. 

To Amend. 

To Postpone Indefinitely. 

It is well to learn these by heart in the 
order named that you will know which 
motion has precedence. 

Outline of the motion to Lay on the 
Table. 

OBJECT — The object of this motion is to 
enable the assembly to set 
aside instantly, a matter un- 
der discussion for the time 

—40— 



being. It has the advantage 
that it can be taken from the 
table when a motion to that 
effect is carried. 

FORM— The form is: "I move to lay this 
matter upon the table. 

RANK — It is the highest of the subsidiary 
motions and must be consid- 
ered at once. 

DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. 

AMENDABLE— It is not amendable. 

VOTE- — It requires a majority vote. 

NOTE — When a motion is tabled it takes 
with it all the motions and 
amendments that have been 
added to it, such as, refer- 
ring to a committee or to 
amend and when a motion to 
take it from the table is car- 
ried these same motions go 
with it and must be decided 
first, before the original mo- 
tion is decided. 

Outline of the motion to Call for the 
Previous Question. 

OBJECT — The object of this motion is to 
cut off debate and bring the 
question to a vote instantly. 

FORM— The form is: "I call for the prev- 
ious question," (meaning the 
original motion) . The Chair- 
man says: "The previous 
question has been called for, 
all those in favor of closing 
debate, that the previous 
question may be considered 

—41— 



- at once, please rise." If 

this is carried then put the 
previous question (original 
motion), and take a vote 
upon it. 
RANK — It may be made at any time that 
there is a debatable motion 
before the assembly. 
DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. 
AMENDABLE— It may not be amended. 
VOTE^ — It requires a two-thirds vote. 

(This requires much practice to under- 
stand as two votes must be taken, one to 
find out if the members wish to stop de- 
bate and the other on the original motion) . 
Draw the names for new officers and for 
the assignment of the following motions: 
Main motion. 
To amend. 
To lay on the table. 
To call for the previous question. 
Adjournment follows. 

LESSON 8. 

Proceed as in the previous lessons. 

After the order of business and the as- 
signed lesson discuss the outlines of three 
more subsidiary motions. 

Outline of the motion to Limit Debate. 

OBJECT — ^The object is to limit discus- 
sion of a main motion either 
to a specified time or to in- 
dividual debate. 

FORM— The form is either *'I move that 
debate be Hmited until 2:30 
P. M.," or "I move that de- 
bate be limited to * * * 
minutes to each person. 

—42— 



RANK — It may be made whenever there 
is a debatable motion before 
the assembly. 

DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. 

AMENDABLE — It may be amended once. 

VOTE — It requires a 2/3 rising vote. 

Outline of the motion to Extend Debate. 

OBJECT — The object is to extend the dis- 
cussion either in individual 
cases or to a specified time. 

FORM — The form is either "I move that 
the time for debate for Mr. 
be extended 3 min- 
utes" or "I move that debate 
on this question be extended 
until 3 o'clock. 

RANK — It may be made whenever there 
is a debatable motion in 
which debate has been lim- 
ited. 

DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. 

AMENDABLE — It may be amended once. 

VOTE — It requires a 2/3 rising vote. 

Outline of the motion to Postpone to a 
Definite Time. 

OBJECT — The object is to delay the con- 
sideration of a question un- 
til some specified future 
time when it comes up as 
unfinished business. 

FORM— The form is: "I move that this 
matter be postponed until 
the next meeting" (or until 
some future definite time). 

RANK — It takes precedence of a motion 
to commit, to amend, or 
postpone indefinitely. 

—43— 



DEBATABLE— It is debatable. 
AMENDABLE>-It may be amended. 
VOTE — It requires a majority vote. 

Names for new officers and for the as- 
signment of the following motions are 
drawn : 

Main motion. 

Limit debate. 

Extend debate. 

Postpone to a definite time. 

Adjournment follows: 

LESSON 9. 

Proceed with the meeting as in the prev- 
ious lessons. 

Following the order of business and the 
assigned lesson discuss the outlines of the 
remaining subsidiary motions. 

Refer to a Committee. 

In order to conduct an organization suc- 
cessfully, the work of committees is very 
important. In the efficient performance 
of the work of committees lies the 
strength of the organization. 

There are three kinds of committees: 
standing, special and the committee of the 
whole. 

It is usual for the presiding officer to 
make the person making the motion to 
refer any matter to a committee the chair- 
man of that committee. This, however, is 
not obligatory. 

Standing committees are those which 
transact the business of the organization 
and are provided for in the constitution. 
They are usually appointed for one year 
by the presiding officer. It is advisable 

—44— 



in the constitution to add the clause "with 
the approval of the Executive Board or 
Committee." 

The presiding officer frequently ap- 
points only the chairman of the commit- 
tee and asks him to appoint his own com- 
mittee. 

Wise officers consider very carefully 
the chairman of committees because with 
good committees the organization will 
live. 

In large organizations each member of 
the board of directors is usually the chair- 
man of a standing committee. 

Special committees are those selected 
for special purposes as occasions arise. 
They go out of existence just as soon as 
that specific object is accomplished and 
reported. 

They may be appointed by the presiding 
officer or the assembly, unless the consti- 
tution provides for the appointment defi- 
nitely. 

A special committee reports as follows, 
the chairman of the committee reading: 

"Mr. Chairman and Members: Your 
committee appointed for the purpose of 
investigating (or purchasing) begs leave 
to submit the following report * * *." 
Then include your report and sign your 
name (given name and surname without 
any prefix) with the rest of the committee 
following it. (See Lesson 2, report of 
committee on constitution). 

After the chairman of the committee 
reads his report with recommendations, 
we need action. 

—45— 



The chairman of the committee shouldl 
immediately move the adoption of this re-'! 
port. After this is seconded the presid- 
ing oflicer presents the question for dis- 
cussion and it is voted upon. 

Minority Report. 

It may happen, however, that the com- 
mittee is not unanimous in this recom- 
mendation. In order that a report may 
be vahd it must have the vote of the ma- 
jority of the members of the committee. 

If as a member of the committee a per- 
son does not agree with the majority, he 
has the privilege of making a minority 
report, if there is no objection to receiv- 
ing it. This must be decided by a ma- 
jority vote if an objection is raised. He 
reports as follows: 

"Mr. Chairman and Members: The un- 
dersigned not agreeing with the majority 
begs leave to submit the following minor- 
ity report * * * ." He then makes 
his recommendations in order that no one 
can mistake his point of view. 

Having read the minority report he at 
once moves to substitute his report for the 
majority report. 

The minority report must be read be- 
fore the majority report is put to a vote. 
Any other motion coming before this has 
precedence, especially a motion to lay on 
the table which is easily carried as it al- 
lows of no discussion and requires only a 
majority vote. 

The person making the minority report 
must not be too reserved and expect some- 
one else to move its adoption. He should 

—46— 



I 



not feel hurt if voted down but yield 
gracefully. 

Committee of the Whole. 

The committee of the whole is the com- 
mittee appointed out of the assembly in 
its entirety, that is the entire assembly re- 
solves itself into one large committee. 

When this motion is made, seconded 
and carried the Chairman at once calls 
another member to the chair and takes 
his place as a member of the assembly. 

The secretary need not record anything 
when the assembly is in the committee of 
the whole. 

Only two motions are permitted during 
the discussion of the very urgent matter 
that caused this committee to be formed. 
These are "to amend" and "to adopt." 

When the Chairman of the committee 
takes the chair he states the motion and 
asks for discussion. 

Following this a vote is taken first on 
the amendments if any were made and 
second on the adoption of the entire mo- 
tion as amended. 

When the deliberations are concluded 
a member moves "that the committee rise 
and report" (this form is used in order not 
to confuse with to adjourn). 

This motion being seconded and carried 
the presiding officer of the organization 
again takes the chair and asks the chair- 
man of the committee of the whole to re- 
port. This chairman rises and states the 
result of the deliberations and the secre- 
tary records the motion and the result and 
this ends the committee of the whole. 

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The committee of the whole is only 
used for a very important question which 
does not admit of delay and in order to 
discuss the question with the same in- 
formality as in committee. 

The chairman of the committee of the 
whole reports as follows: *'The chairman 
of the committee appointed to discuss the 
motion * * * begs leave to report that 
* * * ." Action is then taken as in any 
other committee report. 

Outline of the motion to Refer to a Com- 
mittee. 

OBJECT — To postpone action in a matter 
until more information on 
the subject can be obtained. 
FORM— The form is: "I move that this 
subject be left in the hands 
of a committee" (either to 
investigate or with power to 
act). If a committee of the 
whole is desired the form is: 
*T move that we resolve our- 
selves into a committee of 
the whole to decide this mat- 
ter so as to avoid delay." 
RANK — It takes precedence of a motion 
to amend or postpone indefi- 
nitely. 
DEBATABLE— It is debatable. 
AMENDABLE^ — It may be amended. 
VOTE — It requires a majority vote. 

The outline of the motion "to amend" 
will be found in Lesson 2. 

Outline of the motion to Postpone In- 
definitely. 

OBJECT — The object is to reject a motion 
without a vote upon it. 

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FORM— The form is: "I move that the 
matter be postponed indefi- 
nitely." 

RANK — It is the lowest motion, it takes 
precedence only of a main 
motion. 

DEBATABLE— It is fully debatable. 
AMENDABLE— It may not be amended. 
VOTE^ — It requires a majority vote. 

Draw names for officers for the last 
lesson and the assignment of the follow- 
ing motions: 

Main motion. 

Motion to refer to a committee. 
Majority committee report. 
Minority committee report. 
Motion to resolve the assembly into a 
committee of the whole. 

Motion to postpone indefinitely. 
Adjournment follows: 

LESSON 10. 

Proceed with the meeting as in the 
previous lessons. 

Following the order of business and 
the lesson take up the three unclassified 
motions to Reconsider, to Take from the 
Table and to Rescind. 

Outline of the motion to Reconsider. 

OBJECT — The object is to bring back to 
the assembly a matter which 
has been decided. 

FORM— The form is: 'T move that the 
motion * * * (repeat- 
ing motion) be reconsidered. 
—49— 



RANK — This motion may be made at the 
same meeting that the vote 
on the motion which it is 
desired to reconsider was 
taken, provided some other 
business has been transacted 
in the meantime, or it may 
be made the next following 
day, legal holidays excepted 
(not the next meeting), and 
must be made by a person 
who has voted with the pre- 
vailing side. Any member 
may second it. 

DEBATABLE— This motion is debatable 
when the original motion to 
be reconsidered is debatable. 

AMENDABLE — It may not be amended. 

VOTE — It requires a majority vote. 

Outline of the motion to Rescind. 

OBJECT — The object is to annul a matter 
which has been decided. 

FORM — The form is: "I move the motion 
* * * (repeating the mo- 
tion) be rescinded." 

RANK — This motion is used when it is 
too late to reconsider. 

DEBATABLE— It is debatable. 

AMENDABLE— It may be amended. 

VOTE — It requires a 2/3 vote if no notice 
of the motion has been given 
at the previous meeting or 
in the call for this meeting. 
If notice has been given it 
may be rescinded by a ma- 
jority vote. 

—50— 



Outline of the motion to Take from the 
Table. 

OBJECT— The object is to bring back to 
the assembly a matter which 
has been tabled. 

FORM — "I move to take the motion 
* * * (repeating the mo- 
tion) from the table. 

RANK — It is not in order unless some 
other business has been 
transacted since the matter 
was laid on the table. This 
motion may be made by any 
member. 

DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. 

AMENDABLE — It may not be amended. 

VOTE — It requires a majority vote. 



—51- 



The following table has been prepared for 
use during meetings. 

At the top of the table is the key indicating 
what the marginal references mean. 

debatable. = fully debatable. 

2/3=2/3 rising vote. o=requires no second. 
a=amendable. 

PRIVILEGED. 

a Fix Time and Place to Adjourn. 

To Adjourn, 
a Take a Recess, 
a Raise a Question of Privilege. 

o Call for the Orders of the Day. 

INCIDENTAL. 

o Point of Order. 
Appeal. 
2/3 o Objection to Consideration of Question. 
Reading of Papers, 
o Leave to Withdraw^ a Motion. 
2/3 Suspension of Rules. 

SUBSIDIARY. 

Lay on the Table. 
2/3 Previous Question. 
2/3 a Limit Debate. 
2/3 a Extend Debate. 

a Postpone to Definite Time. 

a Refer to a Committee. 



a To Amend. 
Postpone Indefinitely. 

MAIN AND UNCLASSIFIED, 
a Main Motions. 



Reconsider. 



2/3 a Rescind. 



Take from the Table. 
—52— 



The following motions are used for the 
specified purpose, to be referred to when in 
doubt at a meeting. The key to the table applies 
here also. 

To modify or amend a motion use either of 
the following: 

a Motion to amend, 
a Motion to refer to a committee. 
To defer action use either of these: 
a Postpone to a certain time. 

Lay on the Table. 

To suppress or limit debate use either of these: 
2/3 Call for the previous question. 

2/3 a Limit debate. 
To suppress entirely use either of these: 
2/3 Object to its consideration. 
Postpone indefinitely. 

To consider a question a second time use either 
of these: 

Reconsider. 
2/3 a Rescind. 



Take from the table. 

After the lesson the meeting is ad- 
journed. 

Further skill in the use of parliament- 
ary law will be obtained by continuing the 
practice in classes organized for the pur- 
pose. 



—53— 



